The Philadelphia Eagles are set for a season of change.
After the departures of two franchise pillars in center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, the culture of the Philadelphia locker room will have to evolve a bit into the next phase of its existence.
The Eagles have plenty of new young talent to help fill the holes left by their departing stars, having signed the last player of their rookie class, first-round pick cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, to his contract on Thursday.
But beyond the actual rookies joining the Eagles this year, quarterback Jalen Hurts told reporters on Thursday that he also tries to enter every year like a freshman or a rookie, ready to learn.
“I have the approach to every year of treating it like I’m a freshman, like I’m new to it, like I’m a rookie,” Hurts said.
Hurts’ reasoning is simple: a lot changes in the NFL every year, and come training camp, it’s basically time to start anew, building relationships with the teammates that you’ll be doing battle with week after week come the fall.
“Being diligent, being patient in everything that I’m doing. That requires you to learn the individuals that you’re going to be going out to bat with,” Hurts said. “See what they’re good at. See what they’re not. See where their head is, for better or worse. Just get to know them.”
Jalen Hurts on his role as a leader this season and how he’s approaching it: pic.twitter.com/Iga2gyIL2D
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 6, 2024
Hurts’ approach should come as no surprise to anyone that has followed his journey to the NFL. After winning the starting job at Alabama only to lose it at halftime of the national championship game, Hurts had two more amazing college seasons thanks in large part to his ability to adapt.
First, he spent an offseason competing for the starting job, then was diligent in his role as a back-up with the Crimson Tide, and was ready when his number was called in the SEC title game. The next year, Hurts transferred to Oklahoma, and immediately endeared himself to his new teammates with feats of strength in the weight room. He led the Sooners to a spot in the College Football Playoff, and finished second in the vote for the Heisman.
While Hurts is far from an actual rookie, the mindset of being open and pushing to prove yourself time and time again has served him well so far. No reason to change it.
The Eagles kick off their 2024 campaign with a trip to Brazil to take on the Green Bay Packers.
